Since this structural
pattern is repeated in Act I and Act II without variation, Waiting for Godot
is perfectly parallel. On the other hand, the fact that Act II ends exactly the
same as Act I suggests that nothing will change, and the next Act (if there was
to be one) would proceed in exactly the same fashion. In this regard, the structure
is circular.

THEMES - THEME ANALYSIS

One of the complexities of
Literature of the Absurd is that it is often difficult to define a theme, since
the very absurdity of the work is focused (usually) on man's inability to make
sense of things. Given that, however, there are some discernible threads of theme
in Waiting for Godot. First, the human condition is a dismal and distressful
state. The derelict man struggles to live or rather exist, in a hostile and uncaring
world. A sense of stagnancy and bareness captivates man, and whenever he tries
to assert himself, he is curbed. In Beckett's words, human life is the endurance
and tolerance to "the boredom of living" "replaced by the suffering
of being." These phrases speak volumes of a philosophy born out of the harsh
human realities.

Vladimir and Estragon are blissfully and painfully oblivious
to their own condition. They go about repeating their actions every day unmindful
of the monotony and captivity. They also do not activate their mind to question
or brood over their own actions and the motives underlying their actions. The
"compressed vacuum" in their lives is constantly disregarded.

The
idea that God or fate or some Supreme Being with control toys with the lives of
men is startlingly clear. Every moment of every day, mankind waits for some sign
from God that his suffering will end. And every day, God does not arrive.

The
parallel between God and Godot is not simply verbal (in the spelling and pronunciation
of names), but also in the references to long white beards, shepherds, and supremacy.
Godot has saving power; Godot has all the answers to questions that have not been
asked. Godot is selective in his punishments and rewards, as God was with Cain
and Abel. In connection with this theme is the virtual impossibility of man's
ever having an understanding of or relationship with God. It seems impossible.